This painting did not pass my inspection. It has a very minor watermark line in the paper of the painting. I am really picky about quality, so I can't sell this at full price - so instead I am taking a big loss.

Many people (including the artists) believe that such watermarks are a natural and necessary part of this kind of watercolor paintings. Others even feel that is it proof of the handmade nature of the artwork. I still have to discount it to avoid any misunderstandings.

Crossing the Street: Human Frogger in China

If you are from my generation, you may remember the video game called "Frogger". It involved crossing a busy road while narrowly dodging cars and truck, often both in front of and behind you at the same time.

Well you can play real live Frogger every time you cross the street in China. It is perfectly normal to cross a four or six-lane road, one lane at a time. You stand motionless on the white, dashed line between lanes as cars and trucks whiz by you on both sides with only inches to spare. When the next lane is clear, you advance (there is no retreat in this game, that could get you killed, since drivers in China would never expect that).

If you did this in America, drivers would come to a screeching halt and think you were crazy (they might even tell you so, using colorful words and hand gestures). It is simply a different culture, or rather a different way of doing things in modern Chinese culture.